Fabio Borini to Sunderland: Black Cats back in former loanee after Conner Wickham exit

The Black Cats are on the look-out for a new striker

West Ham are considering a move for Liverpool's Fabio Borini (Getty Images)

Sunderland have enquired about the availability of out-of-favour Liverpool striker Fabio Borini - two seasons after taking the Italian on loan.

The 24-year-old, who rejected the chance to join the Black Cats in a £14m switch 12 months ago, has continued to find first-team opportunities few and far between at Anfield.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Dick Advocaat, the manager, had no interest in Borini when he started his striker search in the days which followed Connor Wickham's £8m switch to Crystal Palace.

But the Dutchman, who was forced to watch as his side were comprehensively beaten 4-2 by Leicester City on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, has since performed a U-turn.

Sunderland have been rocked by news that Adam Johnson is likely to be out for two months with a dislocated shoulder while the prospects of signing Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj on loan remain slim.

The loss at the King Power Stadium last weekend appeared to confirm fears that Sunderland could be in for another relegation scrap this season. The Black Cats take on Norwich City at home this weekend.